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Raleigh Film and Arts Festival 2026
Date and Time
October 2-4, 2026, Times vary with date
Organizer
Artspace
Venue
William Peace University
Category
Film • Annual Events • Arts
Location
Downtown Raleigh
Address
15 E. Peace St., Raleigh, NC 27604
(373.6 mi)
Price
Free, General Admission; $88, VIP tickets
Description
The Raleigh Film and Arts Festival is a three day event dedicated to showcasing independent films, visual arts, music, and poetry. Held from October 2 through October 4, 2026, it serves as a central hub for creative professionals and arts enthusiasts to connect and share original work. This gathering highlights the diverse talent within the Raleigh community and beyond.
Attendees can participate in a variety of scheduled activities including curated film screenings and artist showcases. The program also features live musical performances, poetry readings, and industry panels led by experienced creators. Guests have the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers and artists during interactive question and answer sessions. These segments provide valuable insight into the creative process and offer professional networking opportunities.
This festival is designed for artists, film lovers, and anyone interested in supporting local and independent creative expression. The environment is collaborative and encourages open dialogue between creators and their audience. Whether you are looking to discover new talent, gain industry knowledge, or simply enjoy unique artistic presentations, this festival offers something for everyone. Join us in downtown Raleigh to celebrate the power of creativity.
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North Hills Kids: Autumn Adventures
at The Commons at North Hills, Raleigh,
North Hills Kids returns for a vibrant autumn season in 2026, offering a series of engaging, themed activities designed specifically for toddlers and babies. Held every Tuesday morning from September 22 through October 27, these sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Commons in Raleigh. Each event is carefully curated to provide an interactive and stimulating environment for young children, making it the perfect outing for local families looking to enjoy the crisp fall air while participating in creative, play-based learning experiences.
Because these events are highly popular, we encourage families to arrive early, as some activities feature limited supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether your little ones enjoy crafts, music, or sensory play, there is something special awaiting them at North Hills. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with other parents in the community while providing your children with enriching experiences. For more information on the full schedule and specific weekly themes, please visit the official North Hills website to plan your next visit today.
370.9 mi
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FREE
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Benson Mule Days
at Downtown Benson,
Experience the rich agricultural heritage of Johnston County at the 77th annual Benson Mule Days, running from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Located just a short drive south of Raleigh in the charming town of Benson, this historic festival celebrates the significant role the mule has played in our rural farming history. This multi-day celebration offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment for all ages.
Visitors can look forward to a packed schedule featuring exciting rodeos, lively musical performances, a traditional parade, carnival rides, and a diverse array of local art and vendors. The event spans across downtown Benson and the Chamber Park Arena, offering a mix of ticketed attractions and complimentary activities. Guests are invited to enjoy the parade, live music, trolley rides, and stable tours at no additional cost, making it an accessible outing for the entire community.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, this festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in southern culture. Plan your trip to Benson today and join us for this beloved tradition. Visit our website for a complete schedule of events and ticket information.
399.1 mi
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FREE
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Explore S'more
at Apex Nature Park, Apex
Explore S'more is a free community gathering held in celebration of Take a Child Outside Week. This outdoor event encourages families to disconnect from technology and engage directly with the natural world in a local park setting.
Attendees can participate in a variety of hands on nature education stations designed to spark curiosity about local wildlife and ecosystems. The schedule features interactive games that promote active play for children and adults alike. As the evening progresses guests will gather around a communal campfire to roast s'mores while sharing stories and connecting with neighbors. These activities provide a practical way to learn about environmental stewardship through direct experience.
This event is open to families of all ages and abilities who enjoy spending time in the fresh air. The atmosphere is casual and designed to foster community bonds in a relaxed environment. We invite you to join us for an evening of learning and outdoor exploration. Please bring weather appropriate clothing and prepare for an evening on the grass. We look forward to seeing you at the fire for this unique educational celebration.
368.4 mi
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Free
More Arts
Visual and performing arts events across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
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Stained Glass Custom Pet Experience
at Wake Forest Wine & Design, Wake Forest
The Stained Glass Custom Pet Experience is a hands on workshop where you create a personalized stained glass portrait of your pet. This event allows you to transform a photograph of your animal into a durable piece of art through professional guidance and custom design work. Our studio prepares every project in advance by hand selecting glass colors and cutting each piece specifically for your portrait. During the workshop you will learn to foil, assemble, and solder your custom pattern under the instruction of our staff. This experience is designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike who want to learn stained glass techniques without the time consuming preparation. We handle the heavy lifting such as glass cutting and grinding so you can focus on the rewarding assembly process. This workshop is perfect for pet lovers looking for a creative outlet and a unique keepsake. No prior art experience is necessary to participate in this approachable and structured session. Space is limited to ensure personal attention for every attendee. Reserve your spot today to begin your custom design journey and build a beautiful piece of art.
368.4 mi
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$135
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Stained Glass Custom Pet Experience
at Wake Forest Wine & Design, Wake Forest
The Stained Glass Custom Pet Experience is a hands on workshop where you create a personalized stained glass portrait of your pet. This event allows you to transform a photograph of your animal into a durable piece of art through professional guidance and custom design work. Our studio prepares every project in advance by hand selecting glass colors and cutting each piece specifically for your portrait. During the workshop you will learn to foil, assemble, and solder your custom pattern under the instruction of our staff. This experience is designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike who want to learn stained glass techniques without the time consuming preparation. We handle the heavy lifting such as glass cutting and grinding so you can focus on the rewarding assembly process. This workshop is perfect for pet lovers looking for a creative outlet and a unique keepsake. No prior art experience is necessary to participate in this approachable and structured session. Space is limited to ensure personal attention for every attendee. Reserve your spot today to begin your custom design journey and build a beautiful piece of art.
368.4 mi
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Cutting Boards for Beginners
at ShopSpace, Midtown Raleigh
This two session workshop teaches woodworking fundamentals through the creation of a custom cutting board. Students will apply essential milling and cutting techniques to build a unique, functional piece for their kitchen while gaining hands-on experience in a professional shop environment.
During the first session, you will mill raw lumber, cut your pieces to size, and complete the initial glue-up. In the second session, you will use shaping and profiling tools to refine, sand, and finish your project. This structured process ensures you understand the progression from raw material to a high-quality finished product.
This course is ideal for those looking to expand their woodworking skills after completing a formal introductory class. It serves as an excellent foundation for future projects like box making. Please note that participants must have prior experience with a jointer, planer, and table saw, or must have completed the Woodshop Introduction course before attending. If you are ready to apply your technical skills to a practical project, register today to secure your spot and start building your own custom kitchen essential.
373.2 mi
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$110
More Film & Cinema
Film screenings, movie festivals, outdoor cinema, and film-related events.
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Movie Night Under the Stars
at Sertoma Amphitheatre, West Raleigh
Movie Night Under the Stars is an outdoor community film screening featuring the movie Monsters Inc. This event provides a family friendly environment for residents to enjoy an evening of entertainment and cinema in an open air setting.
Attendees can participate in a variety of scheduled activities before the main screening begins. The program includes a movie themed craft station for children and an interactive karaoke session for those who enjoy singing. Complimentary popcorn will be served to all guests throughout the evening. These activities are designed to create an engaging atmosphere for participants of all ages before the film starts.
This event is ideal for families and individuals looking for a relaxed social outing. The setting is informal and welcoming, making it a great way to spend time with neighbors and friends. Please bring your own blankets or stadium seats to ensure personal comfort while sitting on the lawn. Join us for this memorable night of community fun and laughter. We look forward to seeing you there for a great experience under the stars.
367.3 mi
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Free
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Movies Under the Stars in Chapel Hill: The Nightmare Before Christmas
at Hargraves Community Center, Chapel Hill,
Experience the magic of cinema beneath the night sky with Movies Under the Stars in Chapel Hill. We are thrilled to host a special outdoor screening of the beloved classic The Nightmare Before Christmas on September 25, 2026. Join us at the Carolina Square Lawn for an evening filled with community spirit, starting at 6:30 p.m. with the film screening beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m.
This family friendly event offers free admission and delicious complimentary popcorn provided by the Chelsea Theater. In addition to the movie, guests can meet adorable adoptable dogs from local shelters, making it a perfect opportunity to support our furry friends while enjoying a great film. Please remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to ensure maximum comfort on the lawn.
Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging night out, this event promises a memorable experience for all. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot and participate in the pre-show activities. We look forward to welcoming you for an enchanting night of community, cinema, and fun under the stars.
352.4 mi
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FREE
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Sensory-Friendly Film Series: Kung Fu Panda
at The Carolina Theatre, Durham,
The Carolina Theatre of Durham invites you to experience a wonderful morning at our Sensory Friendly Film Series featuring the hit movie Kung Fu Panda. Designed specifically for autistic individuals and anyone requiring sensory accommodations, this series provides a welcoming, supportive, and comfortable environment for all guests to enjoy cinema. We are proud to present these screenings in partnership with the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development to ensure an inclusive atmosphere for the entire community.
To ensure your comfort, we provide booster seats, ear plugs, and accessibility devices like audio description or closed captioning at no additional cost. These screenings are held in a relaxed setting where everyone can feel at ease. Tickets are completely free, but we encourage you to reserve your seats in advance online, by phone, or at our box office to ensure availability. Whether you are looking for a fun outing or a relaxed viewing experience, we look forward to hosting you. Visit our website today to secure your tickets and join us for this special presentation.
353.1 mi
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A Halloween Mail Adventure for Triangle Families
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Get the Halloween Postcard Kit •Hand-picked by Raleigh Parent editors
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